Doctor & Staff

Dr. Brightwell was born and raised in Jacinto City, Texas, a suburb eight miles east of downtown Houston. Her family has lived in the Jacinto City/Galena Park area for three generations. She graduated from Galena Park High School as an honor graduate and still has life long friends and patients from her high school days in the band and other clubs and activities. She continues to live in the area and enjoys being a part of her community. People have known her and her family for years and describe her as 'the only dentist in town.'

Dr. Brightwell attended the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Texas at Houston Dental School She has been practicing family dentistry in the Jacinto City/Galena Park area since her graduation in 1977. She has several times been named as a Texas Monthly Top Dentist and as a H Texas Magazine Top Dentist.

Dr. Brightwell's enthusiasm for community service and dentistry extends to her activities with the Greater Houston Dental Society and the Texas Dental Association. Dr. Brightwell is active in the Galena Park/Jacinto City Rotary Club including serving as treasurer for two years. Previously she served as President in 1999-2000 and she is a Paul Harris Fellow +1. 

Dr. Brightwell continues to enjoy and relish her career choice because she believes she makes a difference in people's lives and really feels good when her formerly fearful patients no longer 'hate the dentist.' She loves her family and enjoys spending time with her husband Grady traveling, canoeing, and watching football. They attend Trinity Episcopal Church, Baytown, where they are involved in many ministries.

Vivian began working with Dr. Brightwell in 1990. She has been a Registered Hygienist for more than 25 years. From her days at Alief Hastings High School as president of Health Occupation Students of America, she continues to expand as a professional. Vivian feels a Hygienist is not just someone who cleans teeth but rather an educator, a periodontal therapist and a friend to every patient. Building relationships with patients is very important to Vivian as she establishes trust between our patients and our staff. Trust is a key feature in patient education and the steps taken to improve oral health and prevent tooth loss. Vivian uses hands on instruction to demonstrate proper home care techniques.

Vivian was born in Pasadena and raised in the Houston area. She attended Wharton County College and graduated in 1983 with her Associate Degree in Applied Science-Dental Hygiene. She has enjoyed raising her 4 children and now gets to play with her grandchildren. Her free time activities include motorhome camping, traveling, photography, and riding with her husband on both their side by side ATV and their Harley. She 'retired' from the Girl Scouts after 25 years of volunteering including 20 years as a troop leader.

Vivian enjoys dental continuing education as a way to receive the most current information from some of the top dental educators. She has traveled to Boston, Las Vegas, and San Antonio to take advanced courses in periodontal disease, oral caries detection, geriatrics, nutrition, and implant care. She is proud to say we provide quality dental care and send our patients home with happier, healthier smiles.

Regina came to join the team in January 2006 after working in a Pasadena dental office for 6 years. Through her friendly personality she gets to know all our patients and strives to make their dental experience less stressful. As clearly and accurately as possible she will address your concerns regarding treatment questions, scheduling, insurance, and payment options. It is her lovely voice you hear first when calling the office.

Regina was born in Andalusia, Alabama. After 6 years her father's job took the family to Pensacola for 7 years and then to Alvin. Regina graduated from Alvin High School and Alvin Community College where she earned her Assoc. of Arts degree. After attending the Bryman School for Medical Assisting she worked in various medical offices for the next 10 years. 

Regina has a warm spot in her heart for all animals, especially her 4-legged children, her cats, and dogs. When not at work Regina enjoys Netflix and TV shows like 'The Voice', 'American Idol', and 'Dancing with the Stars'. She always carries a good romance or an adventure novel to read during the quiet times of the day. She is a valued team member and you can always count on a friendly smile.

Leyla began working with Brightwell Dental in 2020. She graduated from Furr High School and has 11 years of experience as a dental assistant. She has assisted in several other offices including specialty practices. 

Being born and raised in Honduras until the age of 10, Leyla is bilingual and can help our Spanish speaking patients and families feel more comfortable during their dental visits. Leyla has 2 children – one attending UH and the other graduating soon from Channelview High School. She enjoys spending her time at church with family and friends. 

Suzanne is a bi-lingual (Spanish) Dental Hygiene Assistant, registered with the state of Texas. She assists the hygienist with every patient by updating medical and dental histories, exposing and developing X-rays as ordered by Dr Brightwell. Chairside she helps to control aerosols and oversees the hygiene instrument sterilization and recirculation program.

Suzanne grew up in Bay City, Texas, and graduated from Bay City High School. She likes to bake and to spend time with friends and family. She loves cats and likes traveling and seeing new places